The impact of various anterior cervical surgeries on biomechanical properties of cervical vertebrae varies depending on the specific surgical techniques employed. However, accurately measuring the mechanical characteristics of individual parts of the cervical vertebrae or implants within them in a clinical setting can be challenging. As a result, the finite element method is commonly utilized in studies on anterior cervical surgery, allowing for the precise analysis of stress and strain distributions in different areas of interest through computer simulations. This method facilitates the study of biomechanical properties associated with different anterior cervical surgical approaches. This review discusses the progress of finite element analysis in anterior cervical surgery, summarizes current research findings on fusion and non-fusion procedures, hybrid surgeries, and minimally invasive techniques, so as to provide theoretical references for the selection of different anterior cervical surgical interventions from a biomechanical perspective.